Buddhist practitioner and chaplain Tsultrim Nyi-O (“Discipline Sunlight”) offers readers a selection of Zen haiku tidbits, which leave us transcendent. This particular selection of haiku have grouped under the heading “Silence” and are part of a larger chapbook-sized manuscript entitled racing the sky. Tsultrim Nyi-O informed The Dewdrop, “This short book of haikus arose from a painful year of loss and family deaths. As a long-time Buddhist practitioner, and meditator, I spent this year predominantly in silence, walking and writing poetry.”
Silence
a bodhisattva
cherishing others welfare
dwells in golden streams
standing at thresholds
an upwelling of unknowns
willingness to trust
studying cave walls
moist, mildewed sharp crevices
light seeps amidst dark
chanting clears pathways
unique voice emanating
touching global hearts
dreaming dakinis
blessing altruistic path
obstacles removed
i’m going to be brave
relative and absolute
wings spread wide soaring
garuda gliding
effortlessly reflecting
deep tranquility
my insecure self
is illusory nature
i don’t believe you
there must be something
i can surely hold onto
nothing graspable
seems impossible
vigilant introspection
enter streams again
choose non-reaction
karmic seeds ripening sprout
beyond mind concepts
devotion focus
on four immeasurables
stable foundation
transmuting all pain
witnessing swells ebbs and flows
steadfast cathedral
dive deeper layers
flames igniting turning ash
forming blue jay nests
protectors surround
sacred dreams altar building
continue to bow
i’m going to die
probably not this evening
one day grip grows tight
tender uprooting
extracting limitations
ocean offerings
subtle reaction
internal cycles hope, fear
returning to mulch
false ego savior
parasol pulse protections
collapse barriers
cessation synapse
worshiping silent dojo
self-mastery sparks
Tsultrim Nyi-O
As a long-time Buddhist practitioner, Tsultrim Nyi-O spent the past year predominantly in silence, meditating, watching skyscapes, writing poetry, and caring for others through Chaplaincy. This is their first published work.
May all beings feel supported and loved amidst riding emotional waves.
Clearly, this collection of haiku clearly come from a place of deep and dedicated practices of silence over the past year by Tsultrim Nyi-O. They have an echoing resonance of heartfelt experience. Thank you for sharing.
In Gassho,
Tankyo
Tsultrim Nyi-O
Gato-
Beautiful inner spring that is you.
Luni